Over the last month there have been an alarming number of cats presenting to veterinary practices across the UK with a condition called pancytopenia.  This means a lack of all blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets).

• Lethargy (tiredness)
• Loss of appetite
• Bleeding
  • from the mouth
  • in the poo
  • in the urine
  • in vomit
  • passing black poo
• Collapse

To date over 200 cats have been reported with this condition but the actual number may be more, and so far it shown to have had a death rate of over 70%.

While we don’t know the exact cause, there has been a link suggested to certain cat foods and so while these are being investigated further, a recall of these products has gone out.

For the latest Government Advice see https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-36-2021?dm_i=3VUQ,1AXGC,1ZBJGG,4PPEO,1

If you have any concerns or your cat has been eating any of these please call the surgery for more advice

So another lockdown is upon us, but I hope you are all keeping ok and looking forward to new starts in 2021

At Ark Vets we are still open, fully staffed, and available to see your pets. We have hygiene protocols in place to protect both you and our staff – see the details in Clients allowed back in the building

So keep in touch and let us know if you need anything

Clients are now allowed to come into the consulting room with their animals but we ask that only one of you comes in as the room is not that big. When you arrive at the surgery, can you wait outside and the receptionist will confirm when you can enter (there is shelter and seating outside the surgery). You must wear a face mask at all times on the premises, we will check your temperature with an infrared forehead thermometer before you come in, and then ask that you apply hand gel in the reception area. You will then be directed into the consulting room after it has been cleaned thoroughly.

If your pet needs a procedure eg blood sampling, we will take them into the prep area where a nurse will assist the vet and they will then be brought back to you in the consulting room.

If your pet is being admitted to the hospital for a procedure, then we will email you (generally in advance) with a consent form, along with an estimate and information about feeding etc. We ask that you reply to this email giving consent, or any questions you have. You do not need to print and sign the form.

If you or anyone close to you is unwell or has any signs of COVID and your pet needs to come and visit us, please inform our receptionists and we will do all we can to arrange appropriate treatment while not exposing any of our staff to unnecessary risk.

We are putting these procedures in place to try and ensure the health and wellbeing of both staff and clients, while trying to continue to offer the best possible treatment to your pets.

Hope you are all keeping well.
You may have noticed a few stories in the news about animals testing positive for COVID 19. I want to reassure you all that to date there has been no confirmation that animals are able to transmit this virus to humans, despite a huge amount of testing. As always we advise you to follow basic hygiene precautions for the health of both you and your pets. For those that want more info, this is information produced by the International Society of Feline Medicine.
Keep safe, keep well and we are here if you need us
Sinead x